Effects of laser prepulse on proton generation

• Low-intensity laser prepulse ( < 10(13) W/cm(2), ns duration) are a major issue in experiments on laser-generation of protons, often limiting the performances of proton sources produced by high-intensity lasers (approximate to 10(19) W/cm(2), ps or fs duration) Several effects are associated to the prepulse and are discussed in this contribution: i) Destruction of thin foil targets by the shock generated by the laser prepulse ii) Creation of preplasma on target front side affecting laser absorption iii) Deformation of target rear side iv) Whole displacement of thin foil targets affecting focusing condition In particular, we show that under oblique high-intensity irradiation and for low prepulse intensities, the proton beam is directed away from the target normal. Deviation is towards the laser forward direction, with an angle that increases with the level and duration of the ASE pedestal. Also, for a given laser pulse, beam deviation increases with proton energy. The observations are discussed in terms of Target Normal Sheath Acceleration, in combination with a laser-controllable shock wave locally deforming the target surface. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Subject headings

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Fysik -- Acceleratorfysik och instrumentering (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Physical Sciences -- Accelerator Physics and Instrumentation (hsv//eng)

Keyword

High-pressure

Prepulse

Laser absorption

Proton generation

Shock

phase diagram

Publication and Content Type

kon (subject category)

ref (subject category)